The Iarnród Éireann 90000 Class[1][Note 1] is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) which will be deployed on the DART network in Dublin, Ireland. In December 2021 Iarnród Éireann chose Alstom as supplier of up to 750 carriages, in five- or ten-carriage trains, and made an initial order of 19 five-carriage trains, 13 of which will be battery electric multiple units (BEMUs).[2] A second order was placed in December 2022 for 18 five-car BEMUs.[3]
Background
editThe class is part of the DART+ project, which will expand DART services to lines which are currently served by diesel multiple units (DMUs) such as the 29000 class and 22000 class. The BEMUs will be used for services on the non-electrified lines to Maynooth, Hazelhatch and Drogheda.[4] The class is being constructed by Alstom at their facility in Katowice, Poland.[4] The first unit arrived in Ireland in late 2024 and the first trains are expected to enter service in 2026.[1]
Design
editThe five-car articulated trains are 82 m (269 ft) long, the same as the current four-car 8500 Class trains,[2] and have a capacity of 551 passengers, including 204 seats.[3] The maximum speed is 145 km/h (90 mph).[3] To improve accessibility the trains will have lower floors for level access from platforms and a sliding ramp at each door.[3][4]
The BEMUs will be fitted with lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 840 kWh and an expected range of 80 km (50 mi) even at the end of the operational life of the batteries. The trains will not charge from the existing overhead lines, but will need special charging points, the first of which will be at Drogheda.[3]
As of 2024[update] no ten-car trains have been ordered, but it is expected that they would be formed of two five-car half trains which could be split for maintenance.[2]
Notes and references
editNotes
edit- ^ The class number is visible in the image provided in the press release.
References
edit- ^ a b "First of new DART+ trains unveiled". Iarnród Éireann. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
- ^ a b c Miles, Tony (26 January 2022). "New fleet for the DART". Modern Railways. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "First battery-electric train for Dublin's DART+ network unveiled". Metro Report International. 7 May 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
- ^ a b c Donohoe, Amy (1 May 2024). "New electric Dart service with improved accessibility due next year". Irish Independent. Retrieved 3 November 2024.
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